Best Beaches in Cancun
• Posted July 4 • 2024.
When we think of Cancun, the first things that come to mind are its paradisiacal beaches with soft, white sand and its crystal-clear, turquoise waters. It’s easy to see that Cancun was blessed with vast expanses of beautiful beaches, making it a destination with plenty of options for sunbathing and swimming. Given this vast array of beaches, we have selected what, in our opinion and that of many others, are the 3 best beaches in Cancun for an incredible and memorable vacation.
Playa Caracol (Snail Beach)
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan KM 9, Hotel Zone, Cancun, Mexico
This beach is located within the hotel zone, next to the Xcaret offices, and is known for its white, soft, and fine sand, as well as its calm, crystal-clear, and shallow waters. If you want to swim without worrying about strong waves or currents, this is an excellent choice. Additionally, it is a beach that is not only close to hotels and boutiques but also to supermarkets and convenience stores, making it easy to shop for both luxury items and everyday essentials for eating or drinking, which makes it an ideal beach for most tourists.
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If you are driving a rental car (which I highly recommend, as taxis in Cancun are not advisable), the best way to get to this beach is to park at the supermarket called Chedraui, which charges 150 pesos (approximately 8 USD) for three hours of parking. However, if you make a purchase inside the store for those 150 pesos, the parking is free. You will have to walk a bit towards the beach entrance, which features a small arch with the name Playa Caracol. Once you cross this threshold, you will find paradise... framed by two wooden piers, you will see crystal-clear waters, gentle waves, soft sand, contrasting colors, and of course, many tables with umbrellas to accommodate all the visitors that come to this place every day.
Tip: If you encounter sargassum, just walk a bit further along the beach line. Sometimes the sargassum is in "blocks", so if it's in one part, you might find that further down it's clear.
The views at this beach are spectacular; from here, you can not only appreciate the natural beauty of the place but also the wooden piers, the Cancun lighthouse, boats cruising on the sea, and of course, the impressive construction of Cancun's hotels. It is an ideal place to take excellent beach photographs, so don’t miss this opportunity. If you're interested in how to take the best beach photos, check out this article: How to Take Beach Photos?
This beach offers services including lounge beds, umbrellas, food, and resthrooms. One of the advantages of this location is its size (almost three-quarters of a mile); even if there are many people, it doesn't feel crowded because of the length of the beach. But the best part is undoubtedly swimming and cooling off in its crystal-clear waters and feeling Cancun's fine sand under your feet, unlike any other in the world. Swimming here feels like merging with the natural beauty surrounding us and helps disconnect from the outside world. I'm not exaggerating; due to the calmness of its waters, it is like a natural pool, and swimming here is more than incredible.
This beach is ideal for families due to its gentle waves, where both the youngest children and grandparents will greatly enjoy the tranquility and freshness of its waters. However, the more adventurous can swim easily in its waters. This beach is also perfect for couples and solo travelers.
Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach)
Address: Boulevard Kukulkan KM 9, Hotel Zone, Cancun, Mexico
Playa Langosta is located about 2 miles from Playa Caracol, so it's just a few minutes by car, and believe me, the drive along that boulevard, filled with palms and vegetation, is worth it on its own. The beach has a parking area, but due to the popularity of the beach and because it's free, you might find it full when you arrive. If this happens, you can park at Chedraui and look for the R1 and R2 buses that run along the boulevard and can drop you off at Playa Langosta. The other option is to walk, but I don’t recommend it because of the heat.
Unlike Playa Caracol, the entrance to Playa Langosta is set back from the sea, meaning you have to walk for several minutes to reach the beach area, but this does not prevent you from appreciating the crystalline beauty of this place from the start. Another important point is that there are no restaurants, umbrella rentals, or sun loungers available, but there are restrooms, a marked difference from Playa Caracol. Therefore, you should come prepared with umbrellas, snacks, and drinks to this beach.
If Playa Caracol has shallow waters, Playa Langosta is even shallower, at least over a large stretch towards the sea. You can notice the almost golden color of a large part of the water and how it contrasts with the blue where the depth becomes considerable. But on this beach, you can walk many feet, around 500 feet, into the water and still have it below your knees. Incredible, isn't it?
This beach is ideal for families, especially those with young children, as the waters are truly shallow and the currents are barely noticeable, which also makes the water here warmer than at other beaches. Unlike Caracol, it is more difficult to dive and swim at this beach, except in the deeper parts, so if you are not coming with children, it might be better to choose another beach, unless you just want to relax and enjoy the view, which would also make it perfect for couples without children and solo travelers.
Playa El Niño (The Kid Beach)
Address: Lopez Portillo 2-85, Cancun, Mexico
Playa El Niño is located about 5 miles from Playa Langosta and, although much less well-known than the others, it is highly valued by locals and those tourists looking for a quieter, more authentic, and less commercial atmosphere. This beach offers free parking and palapas, but it is also possible to bring umbrellas or take advantage of the shade provided by palm trees, and there are food, drink, and public bathroom options available. It is undoubtedly a great escape from the typical hustle and bustle of Cancun's more touristy areas, offering a more authentic and relaxed experience.
This beach is narrow but equally enjoyable, with calm waters and gentle waves. While it is deeper than Playa Langosta, it is still very safe and enjoyable for children, families, or simply those tourists who wish for a relaxed swim in serene waters. It's important to remember that many locals come to this beach, but also many tourists eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun, so it is also common to find here couples without children or solo travelers, enjoying one of Cancun's most popular beaches.
This beach is perfect for families with children, couples, and even solo travelers eager to learn more about local life, away from the tourist areas of Cancun and in the midst of a calm and family-friendly atmosphere, so characteristic of certain regions of Mexico.Tips for Cancun Best Beaches
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, a hat (not just a cap), and sunglasses—believe me, they are very necessary in places like this.
- Rent a Car: Do not use taxis in Cancun. If for some reason you need to use transportation, take a bus.
- Do Not Carry Much Cash: Almost all places accept cards, and for those that do not, you do not need much cash.
- Snacks and Drinks: Depending on the beach, it is often advisable to bring some snacks and drinks, especially in places like Langosta where there are no nearby options.
- Stay Hydrated: Always remember to stay hydrated in hot places like this.
- Always Available Shade: Shade is vital here; always look for some shade to spend long periods, otherwise, you might have a rough time.
In conclusion, these beaches represent for many people the best of Cancun, offering both tourists and locals beautiful and safe places to enjoy the wonderful climate and the stunning waters of the Caribbean. Each one, of course, has its own character, advantages, and disadvantages. Perhaps they are not the most touristic, but that adds an additional charm, ensuring that each also provides an incredible experience, taking advantage not only of its natural beauty but also of the friendly and calm demeanor of many of the locals.
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